Season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS) has brought together a diverse cast of celebrities, from actors and athletes to fashion icons. Among them, one name stands out for its notoriety and intrigue: Anna Delvey. For those unfamiliar, Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, gained international attention for her elaborate scams in New York City’s high society. Her inclusion in DWTS has sparked considerable debate and curiosity. Why would a show known for its lighthearted entertainment choose someone with such a controversial past?
Before diving into her DWTS journey, it’s important to understand why Anna Delvey is a household name, albeit for unconventional reasons. As reported by Today, Delvey was convicted of multiple counts including attempted grand larceny and theft services. Her story, which involves posing as a wealthy German heiress to defraud banks, hotels, and individuals, became a sensation, further amplified by the Netflix series “Inventing Anna.” This background makes her casting on DWTS particularly unexpected and raises questions about the show’s motivations.
Adding to the intrigue, Anna Delvey’s own comments about her DWTS experience have been far from enthusiastic. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, when asked about her favorite part of being on the show, she bluntly stated, “Getting eliminated.” This statement, coupled with her general demeanor on the show, suggests a lack of genuine interest in the competition itself. If this is the case, why participate in such a demanding and publicly visible program? Some speculate that for Delvey, DWTS might be less about winning the mirrorball trophy and more about maintaining public relevance and perhaps reshaping her narrative.
Her performances and interactions with the judges further fueled the controversy. After receiving feedback, Delvey reportedly commented, as mentioned by Entertainment Weekly, that the judges’ advice was “worthless” because it “did not pay off” for her. This remark drew a sharp response from judge Carrie Ann Inaba. According to Soap Central, Inaba found Delvey’s comments “dismissive” and disrespectful to her partner, the judges, and the entire production team. This public disagreement highlighted the apparent disconnect between Delvey and the spirit of DWTS, which typically emphasizes growth, enthusiasm, and respect for the process.
However, amidst the controversy, one positive aspect emerged: the attitude of Anna Delvey’s professional dance partner, Ezra Sosa. For Sosa, season 33 marked his debut as a DWTS pro, and he was paired with one of the most talked-about contestants. Despite Delvey’s past, Sosa chose to focus on the present and future. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Sosa acknowledged Delvey’s past actions but emphasized giving her a second chance and promoting positivity. This approach resonated with many viewers, showcasing the potential for redemption and the importance of extending grace, even in the face of past mistakes. Sosa’s professionalism and positive outlook provided a contrast to the negativity surrounding Delvey’s participation.
Ultimately, Anna Delvey’s time on “Dancing with the Stars” was brief, as she was eliminated early in the season. Whether her appearance was a publicity stunt, a genuine attempt at reinvention, or simply a curious casting choice remains open to interpretation. While her lack of engagement and controversial persona didn’t align with the show’s usual tone, the situation did highlight the contrasting reactions and perspectives surrounding second chances and public perception in the age of reality television. The season continued with other contestants, but the question of “Dancing With The Stars Anna Delvey” and its implications lingered, leaving a memorable, if divisive, mark on DWTS history.
